Always Learning

23 Nov 2015

Continuous learning is at the heart of our work because we want to learn all we can about our clients and how best to serve them. Our directors have enjoyed two learning opportunities recently: a workshop about discovering other people's signature strengths, and a seminar about autism.

The workshop on strengths and flourishing was presented by Bridget Grenville-Cleeve as part of "You're Welcome": the Barnwood Trust's series of free workshops for people who either live or work in Gloucestershire. Bridget is a brilliant presenter: clear, passionate and enthusiastic. She explained that a strength is more than a talent or a skill: it's something that animates and energises us. Understanding our own and other people's strengths is a great way to increase our well-being and build supportive relationships. For more information about Bridget and her publications, see www.workmad.co.uk To find out about forthcoming workshops run by the Barnwood Trust, see www.yourewelcome.to

The seminar on autism was run by Herefordshire Disability United on November 18th. It featured several speakers, including Tom Purser from the National Autistic Society. It was heartening to hear about the Autism Act 2009, the Care Act 2014 and the legal duties that local authorities and the NHS have to ensure that staff working with autistic people have been suitably trained in autism awareness. We also heard from James Baker, a local young man on the autism spectrum who has set up his own company, Hereford Make. His website is www.makecic.co.uk If you'd like more information about this seminar, see the newsletter that was distributed on the day: www.herefordshiredisabilityunited.org.uk